Farmers in the Lockyer Valley will benefit from funding from the Morrison Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants program.
Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz announced $31,275 in funding to support farmers to adopt innovative practices that increase farm productivity, profitability, and improve resources management
Mr Buchholz said the Lockyer Valley Growers will receive funding to minimise pollutants on farm.
“Farmers are our best land managers; they are true environmentalist and the Morrison Government is supporting our farmers in their efforts.
“The Growers association does great work, bringing local growers and farm managers together, to identify best practice and improve operations in the Lockyer.
“Agriculture, horticulture is central in our local economy and the Lockyer is the ‘food bowl’ of our nation – that is why it is important we support industry to embrace, adopt and implement better technologies,” Mr Buchholz said.
President of the Lockyer Valley Growers, Michael Sippel said the Lockyer Growers was set up to support the regions producers and the Smart Farms grant is another example of industry partnering with the Australian Government to improve productivity and profitability.
“We are always endeavouring to do better, to improve the practices of local growers and reduce any impacts on the environment.
“It is through jointly funded efforts such as this, that we are able to improve our natural resource management and that goes directly to better use of water sources, soils and ensuring we preserve the environment we grow in.
“The growers work closely with Scott Buchholz and we appreciate the support and certainly look forward to getting the program underway,” Mr Sippel said.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said our farmers produce the best food and fibre in the world because of their ingenuity, resilience and incredible work ethic.
“They have always looked after the land and this program supports their continued environmental stewardship by backing clever ideas that deliver good on-ground results,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The Australian Government is investing almost $6.5 million through the fourth round of Smart Farms Small Grants towards a diverse range of local projects across Australia.”
“They aim to improve environmental, economic and social outcomes through better sustainability, productivity, and profitability in the food, fibre and forestry industries.”
Fast Facts:
- The Smart Farms program is the key agriculture portfolio initiative under phase two of the $1.1 billion National Landcare Program.
- The program comprises the Smart Farming Partnerships, Smart Farms Small Grants and Building Landcare Community and Capacity grant programs.
- To date, including this fourth funding round, Smart Farms Small Grants has funded a total of 384 projects to the value of $25.5 million.
- An additional two rounds of Smart Farms Small Grants are anticipated with funding of up to $18 million.
- The government is investing almost $6.5 million funding 84 projects through the fourth round of Smart Farms Small Grants towards a diverse range of local projects across Australia. Grants were available for between $5,000 and $100,000 for farmers, fishers and community groups.
ENDS.
